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  • TravelerAMA Waterways

    6 Days To Go

    July 16, 2024 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Be sure you download any apps you may need before your trip starts. I have downloaded the Delta app, Allianz Travel Insurance and, AMA Waterways. The AMA apps tells you more about the destinations you'll be visiting even restaurant recommendations!Read more

  • Gate 1 River Cruise
    Day 18

    Some conclusions from our trip

    May 28, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 61 °F

    Pros:
    - Price- still impossible to beat.
    - Tour Director and Activity Director - Great personalities - very nice guys
    - Food - excellent - not much different than the very high priced lines. All the beer and wine you want for dinner. None at lunch but who needs booze at lunch? Of course, you can always buy it on board at any time. And there were plenty who did! Felt like all we were doing was eating!
    - Most tours were excellent outside of the rather messed up Utrecht boat canal ride
    This trip had a lot of bus touring off of the boat. Some days we were sailing for a few hours where you could get up on the deck and enjoy the sunshine. No castles along this stretch of the river, so Gate1 probably decided that spending time on the river wasn’t so essential
    - Staff was super pleasant - all smiles all the time. I’m sure they’re trained to do this as it will help garner them more tips. Our dining server from Serbia was particularly nice as was our room attendant from Kyrgyzstan. She even hung out in the hallway talking with guests about her country
    - Weather - incredible. Sunny almost every day - no rain. Before leaving it looked like we would have a lot of rain. Nothing of the sort. Of course this drove all the Dutch folks out of their homes and cities like Amsterdam were crazy busy with people.

    Cons:
    - Getting Covid.
    - Wifi on board was horrible. Gate1 needs to fix that although maybe they just use “wifi” as a selling point, knowing it is worthless. Keeps people off of their phones and paying attention to what is going on around them. I’m cool with that and if it weren’t for trying to blog, it would be fine.
    - Room size was comparable to the sizes of the lower deck rooms on Ama Waterways. Mattress was way too soft and I worried about my back, but it didn’t really cause an issue - go figure.
    - We had an extremely small room in the Eden Hotel in Amsterdam. Others in the group had larger rooms. Don’t know why. Not a huge issue, but would have been nice to have more room. Heck, we had more room on the ship!
    - These are all minor quibbles though. Overall, great adventure until Paris.

    What would we do differently?
    Without a doubt fly in a couple days early and rest for the first day. Trying to cheap out too much can cost you in energy. Also think I’d fly out a few days later at the end of the trip. Of course cost of hotel rooms as add ons can get expensive, but there is the option of staying in an AirBnB, hostel or whatever. Amsterdam was not cheap though. Meals were expensive too. We may be at the end of our river cruising days for a bit. We’ve done the Danube, the Rhone, the waterways of Bordeaux, the waterways of the Netherlands and Belgium. (The Rhine , which I’ve done in the past would be nice for Janet because of the castles - might still do that one). I’m inclined to think about going back to rental car or possibly train travel. In terms of covid, rental car would be best, but that wouldn’t be the biggest determinant. I think we got unlucky and maybe were both so tired from jet lag, etc that our immune defenses were down some and that was just enough to catch it from people you were around all week and sitting across the table from each other gabbing. Still, when Gate1 throws out these incredible specials, it’s hard not to jump on them - it’s why we chose this one. So my advice to those looking for a river cruise - consider Gate1 - it will cost you probably half of the others and the quality will be much the same as the more expensive ones. Now if you’re loaded and you usually hang with fellow loaded folks, then you might be more comfortable on the high end ships vs mingling with the peasants. :).

    Technology issues worked out well - brought an extension strip I didn’t need, so that one will stay at home next time. Otherwise, bought the right stuff. T-Mobile worked like a champ - just automatic - nothing to turn on - it recognized you when you crossed into another country and you didn’t have to do a thing and 5GB of high speed data for free and you could buy more if you needed it. You just have to understand that you don’t post stuff on social media, etc without wifi. Since we didn’t have wifi for all extensive purposes on the ship, you pretty much had to wait till you wandered into a coffee shop and could grab 5 minutes or so on their wifi. Simple texting was fine - you could do that about anywhere with a decent cellular signal (which also wasn’t good on the ship).

    When calculating your costs for a trip, don’t forget tipping. Pretty much better figure on 3-400 dollars.

    Oh, and a final tip from Bart (our tour director) - if you plan to wear shoes when you leave the ship or the hotel, then take one of your shoes and put it on top of the safe in your room, then you'll remember to put on your shoe and take your passport with you!! :). (that's Bart and Janet on our final day in Paris. Bart had just smuggled us some coffee out of the dining room since the hotel didn't want us going in there). :)    Read more

  • Gate 1 River Cruise

    Clarifying notifications

    May 9, 2023 in the United States ⋅ 🌙 73 °F

    So I was puzzling a bit about why some people weren't getting notified that I had posted something. Some of it was because some followers when originally signing up had different emails than they do now. But for the rest, there are a few steps that are important , so I screen captured them and am posting. There are 2 pictures. . I'm doing all of this because FindPenguins is a great way to capture a trip forever so with the thought you might use it yourself someday, I'm posting this.

    So bottom line - download the app and put it on your Home Screen of your phone. Then you'll notice the little red bubble appear when you have a notification (and it doesn't just have to be me that you're following - you can hit the explore button and find all kinds of people posting trips and you can request to follow them. If you don't click the Follow button for me or any other person you decide to follow, then nothing happens. Any time they post, you'll see the little red bubble appear next to the Find Penguin icon. Then as a 2nd step I'd do this as well. Go into the General Settings of your phone, go to Notifications and scroll down to find FindPenguins (which will be there since you downloaded the app) and turn those notifications ON. (I think when you first install the app, the default might be OFF). This way, when someone posts something and you're following them, a pop up will appear on your phone notifying you there is a new post by someone. That's just a nice backup method to the red bubble icon. Let me know in the comments if you're still confused. It took me awhile understanding exactly how FindPenguins was doing this and for that reason I think the screen captures are helpful. As a final note, Find Penguins may send you an email asking you to verify your email address. Don't skip that step as you probably won't get any notifications without doing that.    Read more

  • Gate 1 River Cruise

    1 month to go!

    April 14, 2023 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 73 °F

    Moving closer to our departure date. Hoping my creaky bones hang together a bit longer to get us there and back! :). Managed to score the two remaining ticket slots to see the Anne Frank House (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank ) on our first day of arrival. (Arrive in Amsterdam at 6:05am) Our entry time is 8:35 pm so we should be thoroughly exhausted by then :). Having been a German teacher and student of German history and having watched countless films on WWII, this was pretty much a must see.Read more

  • Gate 1 River Cruise

    Planning Stages!

    October 27, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 63 °F

    Janet just happened to catch the Gate1 Flash Sale email newsletter and saw that it was a 2 for 1 for Belgium/Netherlands river cruising. Upon further inspection, saw a 14 day trip that included Amsterdam, Bruges, Paris, etc and decided to check out prices. Found we could do the entire trip for $5500 which included special excursions, plus all of our airfare out of Charlotte (CLT-BOS-AMS and returning CDG-JFK-CLT). Like all the Gate1 trips we’ve gone on , this was a steal. This will be our first adventure out into the world of Covid (whew) and hoping we survive it. Totally vaxxed and triple boosted and not afraid to wear a mask, but even then…. Of course we are still a long ways out from the trip so who knows what will happen - with covid, with the economy or with Ukraine. One day at a time! Definitely looking forward to exploring some of Amsterdam. And comparing Gate1 River Cruising to Ama Waterways and Uniworld (two other cruise companies we have been with). We’ve been to Paris (prior to our Ama Waterways trip down the Rhone river in SE France), but missed some things so will be good to get back there and try again!Read more

  • Destination UnknownNew Orleans
    Day 1

    Where Are We?

    May 2, 2022 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 77 °F

    I really like the flight map feature that’s built into each seat. I think it’s even better than the plane’s entertainment features! It’s nice to know where we are and how much longer the flight is going to be. Usually, I don’t even bother with the variety of movies or tv shows that are available. I just leave the flight map on for the whole trip.Read more

  • Morocco March 2020

    Itinerary for Morocco

    December 26, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 48 °F

    Our itinerary for this Spring's Gate1 small group tour of Morocco -

    DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Morocco
    Depart for Morocco

    DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Casablanca, Transfer to Rabat
    Arrive in Casablanca this morning and transfer to Rabat, a heady swirl of color, culture, and history. Arrive at your hotel and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight, your tour will begin with an orientation meeting lead by your Tour Manager at approximately 6:00 pm, followed by a Welcome Dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in your destination no later than 3:00 pm on day 2 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
    Overnight: Rabat
    Meals: Dinner

    DAY 3, Saturday - Rabat City Tour
    After breakfast, you tour the capital. Begin with a drive past the beautifully tiled entrance to the Royal Palace, followed by a stop at Bab Rouah, or the city's "Gate of the Winds," so called because it's been battered by Atlantic winds since its construction in 1197. Visit Hassan Tower, part of an unfinished mosque started by a 12th-century caliph. At the incredibly preserved Kasbah of the Udayas, explore the fortress and take a stroll in the French-colonial Andalusian gardens. End the day at Chellah, the necropolis and ruins of an ancient Roman outpost. Balance of the day is at leisure
    Overnight: Rabat
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 4, Sunday - Explore Volubilis & Meknes, Overland to Fez
    This morning, drive inland to Fez. Along the way, stop to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, the once-bustling city and African administrative center of the Roman Empire. The site also has vestiges of the Berber civilization that took the city from Rome in AD 270. Continue to Meknes and view the Bab Mansour gate, beautifully patterned with zellij mosaics. This evening, you're the guests of a local Fez family for dinner. Over typical Moroccan, home-prepared food, you'll connect with your hosts
    Overnight: Fez
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 5, Monday - Tour Fez
    Explore the sprawling medina of Fez on foot this morning. It's said that this is the world's largest car-free urban area; undistracted by traffic, you're sure to agree that strolling here is a feast for the senses. You'll enter via the Bab Boujloud, or "Blue Gate" and visit the famed Al-Bou Inania Madrasa. Afterward, you will have an opportunity to shop for authentic Moroccan carpets. Then, stop at the Chouara Tannery to see how leather is cut and dyed using traditional techniques. At the Nejjarine Museum, browse the collection of wooden arts and crafts, then view copper craftsmen at work in Seffarine Square. The tour ends outside the Karaouine Mosque and University, the oldest continuously functioning university in the world, founded in the year 859. After lunch in the medina, your guide leads you through the Jewish Quarter, or mellah, built in 1438. By the end of the walk, you'll be at the King's Palace. Enjoy dinner at the hotel later this evening
    Overnight: Fez
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 6, Tuesday - Cross Middle Atlas Mountains, Drive to Erfoud
    Today, experience a thrilling adventure into Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains. Begin with a stop in Ifran, a Moroccan ski resort. Then ascend scenic roads past pine groves and giant cedar trees. Midmorning, you cross the 6,000-foot pass and continue west toward the great Sahara. Next, stop for lunch in the village of Midelt. Then as you approach Erfoud, enjoy views of the remarkable Ziz Gorges and vast valleys. Continue to Erfoud for dinner and overnight
    Overnight: Erfoud
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7, Wednesday - Experience Rissani, Sahara Camp
    This morning, explore the small city of Rissani on the edge of the Sahara. En route, stop at a fossil factory to learn more about this unique activity which is famous in the region. Then, wander its lively souk, and visit a 17th-century ksar. Afterward, pass by the ancient ruins of Sijilmasa on the River Ziz, once a bustling Berber city and medieval trade depot. You'll pause to visit a local bread shop, where you'll witness and sample an ancient culinary art. After lunch at the hotel, you journey into the Sahara Desert, stopping en route to share tea with some welcoming locals in a Berber tent. Later, settle into your Sahara camp, where dunes rise and fall around you and feel the adventuresome spirit of explorers of old. You'll even have the opportunity to enjoy a short camel ride. Witness an incredible sunset and enjoy traditional music under a canopy of stars
    Overnight: Sahara Tented Camps
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8, Thursday - Explore Desert & Todra Gorge, Travel to Ait Benhaddou
    Awake amidst the silence of the desert this morning as Morocco's natural beauty continues to astound you. After breakfast, leave the camp and make your way to the lovely oasis of Tinghir for lunch. The real attraction here is the spectacular Todra Gorge, a deep ravine carved by the Todra River over millennia. There'll be time to marvel at this sight before you continue to the Dades Valley, where roses bloom in profusion in springtime. The locals make good use of the prolific flower by producing rose water here. Dinner tonight is at your hotel
    Overnight: Ait Benhaddou (Ouarzazate Region)
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 9, Friday - Visit Ait Benhaddou, Travel to Marrakesh
    After breakfast at the hotel, take time to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ait Benhaddou, a ksar - or fortified city - along a former caravan route. This is the true Morocco: a village that seems to rise from the sands. Its desert-dusted Kasbahs and maze-like warrens are sure to enthrall you. Next, make your way to the magical city of Marrakesh. Dinner tonight at your hotel
    Overnight: Marrakesh
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 10, Saturday - City Tour of Marrakesh, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Gardens
    Discover historic and exotic Marrakesh today. Begin at Majorelle Gardens, a botanical marvel set in the heart of Marrakesh. Next visit the Koutoubia, a 12th-century Mosque and minaret, still topped with four copper globes. Then, explore Bahia Palace, where 360 rooms were once adorned with Italian marble and Sudanese gold. For a more recent archaeological find, you'll see the richly decorated tombs of the Saadi Dynasty. End your thrilling morning in the famed Djemaa el Fna square, a dazzling display of acrobats, story tellers, and snake charmers. Take your time and absorb this vibrant kaleidoscope of culture, torn from the pages of Ali Baba. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, an optional horse-drawn carriage ride takes you through the lively streets of Marrakesh followed by a lavish dinner of Moroccan fare. Relive the days of Arabian folklore while enjoying classic Moroccan music and an elegant belly dancing performance
    Optional: Dinner with Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride (PM)
    Overnight: Marrakesh
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 11, Sunday - Full Day Marrakesh
    Spend the day at leisure or participate in the optional tour to the scenic Ourika Valley where typical Moroccan villages are scattered amidst the towering Atlas mountains. Here, discover the area’s natural herbs and their many uses. Before lunch at the gardens enjoy, a "Berber foot bath". Afterward, return to the hotel
    Optional: Ourika Valley and Botanical Gardens with Lunch (AM)
    Overnight: Marrakesh
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 12, Monday - Cooking Class, Travel to Essaouira
    This morning, enjoy a half day cooking class in an authentic Medina's Riad and learn from one of the best "Dada chefs" in town how to successfully prepare traditional Moroccan tajine and salads, as well as delicious Moroccan flatbread. After lunch, depart Marrakesh for Essaouira. Stop at the Argan Oil Women's Cooperative to learn how this skin-nutrifying elixir is extracted from the argan nut, rich in nutrients and antioxidants beneficial to skin and hair. Arrive in Essaouira in time for dinner on your own
    Overnight: Essaouira
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 13, Tuesday - Discover Essaouira, Gnawa Performance
    Seaside Essaouira has grown into an artist's enclave over the years, and this makes for a fascinating mix of ancient and modern sensibilities. You'll be introduced to its culture with a stroll through the vibrant medina and its bustling fish market. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore its inviting ancient streets. This evening, learn about traditional music during a talk with a local expert. Get the details about henna painting along with a demonstration. Enjoy a refreshing cocktail while viewing a Gnawa performance and dance*
    *Gnawa performance will sometimes operate on Day 12.
    Overnight: Essaouira
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 14, Wednesday - Travel to Casablanca & City Tour
    Transfer to Casablanca today, stopping en route for lunch in a local restaurant. Upon arrival, see the fabled city's important sights, including the Mohammed V Square, the city's administrative seat. Next, marvel at the massive Hassan II Mosque*, dramatically perched on a promontory on the Atlantic. Its indoor and outdoor space can accommodate 105,000 worshippers. In the Habous district, peruse the market and admire the exterior of the Royal Palace. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner
    *Hassan II Mosque is subject to unexpected closures for local religious observances. Details will be provided locally by your Tour Manager.
    Overnight: Casablanca
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 15, Thursday - Depart Morocco
    After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight
    Meals: Breakfast    Read more

  • Turkey - Gate1 - October 2019

    Got our Visas

    July 28, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 84 °F

    Dropped $20 each to get our E-visas for Turkey and paid off our trip. Saved about $350 by making final payment with a check (saves 5%) Booked our hotel near JFK for the night before we fly out. Here’s a shot of Cappadocia (where we will be enjoying hot air ballooning!Read more

  • Turkey - Gate1 - October 2019

    Turkey - October 2019 - Planning stages

    May 5, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 70 °F

    Just back from China and still recovering, but those darn coupons that keep appearing everywhere just seem to never stop appearing during moments of weakness! Travelzoo popped up a coupon worth $1100 off a Treasures of Turkey trip and we couldn’t resist. When you can do a 13 day fully escorted trip for two for 5k, including airfare, hotels, many meals and all excursions, it’s hard to turn down (ok, insurance and spending money on miscellaneous items such as tips will probably push that closer to 6k by the time all is said and done.). Still an incredible bargain in my book as have been all the Gate1 trips
    we’ve taken. Now will cross my fingers that markets keep going up and not down so that I can avoid slamming my head against the wall! Will be first time flying Turkish Airways (non stop JFK-IST. Liking those non-stop flights - sick of crazy connections. Looking forward to that Turkish food and hot air ballooning in Cappadocia as well as a day’s excursion to Ephaseus. For a closer look at our itinerary - https://www.gate1travel.com/mediterranean/turke…. (Click the Itinerary tab)

    Booked our tickets today for the CLT-JFK flight (non-stop American). Going in a day early (10/15) and spend a night at a cheap hotel near JFK that offers shuttles. Don’t go out till around 7pm on Wed (10/16) but don’t trust the airlines to get me there the same day and I don’t need that stress.    Read more

  • TravelerChina March 2019

    China Itinerary

    January 27, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 45 °F

    A Day to Day recap of our upcoming trip along with a map!

    DAY 1, Monday - Depart for China
    Depart for China

    DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Shanghai
    Arrive in Shanghai, the thriving metropolis on China's eastern coast. This dynamic city is constantly changing and growing, with an unforgettable skyline. Remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, relax and acclimate to the time change
    Overnight: Shanghai

    DAY 3, Wednesday - Shanghai City Tour
    This morning, see some of the city's major highlights. Begin at the lively Bund, Shanghai's popular promenade; stroll along the park-like waterfront and experience the old world charm. After, on to the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most active Buddhist temples in Shanghai, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Return to the hotel late afternoon and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, gather together at your hotel's restaurant for an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager about the exciting trip that awaits you, followed by a Welcome Dinner
    Overnight: Shanghai
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

    DAY 4, Thursday - Full Day in Shanghai
    Today, is at leisure in Shanghai. Join the optional full day tour to Suzhou, including lunch and a cruise on the Grand Canal. Morning departure from Shanghai for the drive to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East". Upon arrival in this charming city, relax on a boat ride along the narrow waterways of the legendary Grand Canal. Later, walk along bustling Pingjiang Road, where the locals gather for entertainment and food and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then, continue to the beautiful and fragrant Garden of the Master of the Nets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to Shanghai later this evening
    Optional: Full Day Suzhou with Lunch
    Overnight: Shanghai
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 5, Friday - Flight to Yichang; Embark Cruise
    Morning is at leisure for independent explorations in Shanghai. In the afternoon, visit the classical Yuyuan Garden in the Old Quarter, built during the Ming Dynasty, a quiet and serene sanctuary in this frenetic city, with its scenic pavilions, ponds, and streams. Afterward, continue to a silk carpet and embroidery shop in Shanghai to understand more about this ancient Chinese craft; see some of the beautiful creations, unusual styles and masterful techniques. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Later, transfer to the airport for the flight to Yichang, the second largest city in Hubei province after Wuhan, its capital. Upon arrival, continue to the port for embarkation on your cruise ship. This evening, you'll begin the scenic journey on the fabled Yangtze, the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. You'll be warmly welcomed aboard by the friendly international staff. A memorable voyage awaits you
    Overnight: Yangtze River
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 6, Saturday - Xiling Gorge
    This afternoon, an optional tour to the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest and most ambitious hydroelectric project ever undertaken by man, nearly six times the size of the Hoover Dam. In addition to producing electricity, the dam was constructed to increase the Yangtze River's shipping capacity and reduce the potential for floods. This project has forever changed the landscape surrounding the Yangtze River and has also forced the relocation of people who once lived along the river. Tour the massive site to see this impressive achievement of engineering. Following the visit, return to the ship as it cruises upstream and enters the dramatic Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest section of the Three Gorges
    Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Three Gorges Dam
    Overnight: Yangtze River
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 7, Sunday - Wu Gorge & Qutang Gorge
    Awake this morning to beautiful vistas on the river. Sail through the Wu Gorge, famed for its magnificent Twelve Peaks. Today, your optional tour will take you either on a scenic journey up Shennong Stream, travelling in small boats between rolling hills and rocky cliffs or on a scenic journey up Shennv Stream, the journey is accompanied by local folk songs and dances. Continue through the Qutang Gorge, the smallest of the three gorges, flanked by lush terraced hillsides
    Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Shennv Stream or Shennong Stream
    Overnight: Yangtze River
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 8, Monday - Cruise to Shibaozhai
    The ship arrives this morning at Shibaozhai, built during the Ming Dynasty. This pagoda is sometimes referred to as one of the eight construction wonders of the world, built into the side of a rocky cliff face and constructed without the use of nails. This vermilion 12-story pagoda stands impressively over 100 feet high. The optional tour highlights the main attraction of the temple, with its traditional Chinese design. The structure is inspired by the mountains with patterns and figures that vary from odd to extraordinary. Climb the stairs and experience the most spectacular sights of the valleys below
    Optional: Yangtze River Shore Excursion Package - Shibaozhai
    Overnight: Yangtze River
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 9, Tuesday - Disembark Cruise; Fly to Xian
    Disembark the Yangtze River cruise this morning in Chongqing, a major metropolis and one of the top emerging cities in China. Visit the Stilwell Museum, at his renovated former residence, dedicated to the General who was the Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces in the China-Burma-India Theater. With the aid of General Stilwell, the Chinese people won the War of Resistance against the Japanese invaders. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Xian, ancient capital of eleven dynasties and an archaeological treasure trove
    Overnight: Xian
    Meals: Breakfast

    DAY 10, Wednesday - The Terracotta Army
    Morning visit to Xingqing Park, a hub of activity where you may have the chance to join the residents of Xian in their morning exercise, singing and dancing. Afterward, stop at a lacquer furniture shop to learn more about this technique. Lunch is a local restaurant. Then, an unforgettable experience! Continue to visit the archaeological site of the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, a vast collection of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots that were entombed with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. This world-famous site, discovered by local farmers in 1974, is still being discovered and excavated today, more than forty years since the time of its unearthing. This evening, an optional Tang Dynasty 6-course dinner followed by a historical dance performance by the Tang Dynasty Troupe
    Optional: Tang Dynasty Dinner with Entertainment
    Overnight: Xian
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 11, Thursday - Flight to Beijing
    Depart Xian on a flight to Beijing, sprawling capital of modern China. The afternoon is at leisure. Feel the pulse of this city of contrasts with its astonishing history and wondrous sights. Join the optional half-day Hutong Tour which begins with a Rickshaw ride through the old narrow streets and alleyways. See the courtyard homes which once covered all of Beijing - only a few still survive today. Hear more about "old China" from a local family who will welcome you to their home
    Optional: Half Day Hutong Tour (PM)
    Overnight: Beijing
    Meals:Breakfast, Lunch

    DAY 12, Friday - Great Wall of China
    An amazing day! Travel to the extraordinary 2000-year-old Great Wall of China, one of the most spectacular structures ever built by man, spanning nearly 4,000 miles of China's northern frontier. En route, stop at a local jade shop to admire wares crafted with one of China's most famous materials. Then it's time to climb the ramparts of this ancient wonder to view breathtaking mountain passes, plateaus, and grasslands from this 7th-century defensive fortification. Afterward, a relaxing lunch in a local restaurant. Drive via the site of the 2008 Olympics to see the National Stadium and the sprawling Olympic Village followed by a stop at the Beijing Zoo to see the famous Pandas - a must for all travelers to China. Tonight, enjoy dinner at a Beijing restaurant
    Overnight: Beijing
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 13, Saturday - Summer Palace and The Forbidden City
    Start your day with a visit to a huge Tiananmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world built at the height of the Ming Dynasty. The square's Gate of Heavenly Peace was once used as a staging ground for imperial edicts and by Mao Zedong himself to declare the founding of the People's Republic in 1949. Next, enter the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace until 1912. The extraordinary and immense walled complex is truly a masterpiece of Chinese architecture; its complex consists of 800 buildings with more than 9,000 rooms. Then, continue to a local pearl shop to learn about the famous Chinese pearls. Have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to visit the fabled Summer Palace, a resort of the Empress Dowager with its palace grounds, filled with a variety of picturesque gardens and architectural structures. Take a relaxing boat ride across the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery before strolling along the sprawling palace. Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner featuring China's famous Peking Duck
    Overnight: Beijing
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    DAY 14, Sunday - Depart China
    Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
    Meals: Breakfast    Read more

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